Posted in: Video Games, Wii, Wii News, Wii U

According to a press release from Nintendo issued today, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, in addition to improving the original’s combat, adding new content and a new playable character — Ayane, will also have free downloadable characters after release. Reading the press release, it states that “after the launch of the game, additional playable characters will become available as free downloadable content. More information about these characters will be revealed at a later time.”

It also includes a list of all the other new features packed in Razor’s Edge:

Ayane as a playable character: In previous versions of the game, Ayane appeared only briefly in one cut scene. Now players can help her progress through her own exclusive chapters using a special set of weapons and Ninpo attacks.

Character-progression system: Using Karma points earned during game play, players can upgrade weapons and Ninpo, learn new moves, increase their HP level and unlock new character costumes.

Ryu and Ayane playable in co-op mode: For the first time, players can use Ryu or Ayane to represent themselves in the game’s online co-op mode.

Test of Valor battle areas: Each chapter includes a hidden battle area called Test of Valor. Upon finding hidden Crystal Skulls, players will be transported to these areas to face down waves of enemies and classic NINJA GAIDEN boss characters with new moves.

Wii U GamePad Functionality: Using the Wii U GamePad, players can easily change weapons or Ninpo attacks, and also quickly reference the button inputs required for various combo attacks without ever stopping the action.

More Tenacious Enemies: The Wii U version of the game restores enemies’ ability to fight when severely wounded, requiring players to stay nimble with their battle strategies.

Upon its release on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in March of this year, the original Ninja Gaiden 3 had a less-than-warm reception, scoring a 58 on metacritic for both versions. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge arrives Nov. 18 exclusively on the Nintendo Wii U.